India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the close together departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
